Jerusalem and all of Judah turn from Yahweh to worship false gods so the prophet Jeremiah confronted them.
How can you say, 'I am not defiled, I have not gone after the Baals '? Look at your way in the valley! Know what you have done! You are a swift young camel entangling her ways (Jeremiah 2:23)
They are compared to a swift young camel that runs around to find satisfaction, driven by uncontrolled instinct.
A wild donkey accustomed to the wilderness, that sniffs the wind in her passion. In the time of her heat who can turn her away? All who seek her will not become weary; In her month they will find her. (Jeremiah 2:24)
A donkey is an appropriate comparison since they are notorious for stubborn self-will. One in heat sniffs the air looking for a male just like Judah pursuing idols. Additionally, a donkey in heat gives off a scent that encourages males to come to them. Judah gave off a scent to the false gods that they would worship them instead of Yahweh.
The “scent” we give off attracts what our inclination may be. If covetousness titillates you, many opportunities to overspend will come your way. If you are into drugs, the scent you give off will attract drug dealers. If your thing is codependency, dependent people will be attracted to you. What is your scent?
Jesus had an aroma that attracted people who wanted godliness.
Walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma. (Ephesian 5:2)
As we walk with our Lord, the scent we give off attracts godliness.
For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing; to the one an aroma from death to death, to the other an aroma from life to life. (2 Corinthians 2:15-16)
What is your scent? Smell good!
